The study, which was published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, looked at 2069 patients, 1582 of whom received hospital-based palliative care, and 487 received home-based palliative care.

The author of the study, Dr. Jun Hamano, of the University of Tsukuba in Japan and his colleagues found that the relative lifespan for patients who died at home was significantly longer than for those who died in hospitals.

When considering whether to transition from hospital to palliative care, patients and their families often have concerns regarding the quality and effectiveness of the home-based care. The research findings serve as an important piece of information demonstrating that the quality of home-based palliative and hospice care is not inferior in any way to that provided in a hospital setting.

For terminally ill patients, the ability to stay at home surrounded by the family and the closest friends is extremely important. Dr. Hamano’s research suggests that doctors shouldn’t hesitate to refer patients to palliative and hospice care as it does not shorten their lifespan, but may even prolong it.

About the Author

A resident of Philadelphia, R. Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

Author: Bruce Dalglish

A resident of Philadelphia, R. Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

All Caring Hospice is a leading provider of passionate, competent and comprehensive end-of-life care programs in Youngstown and the surrounding Communities in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage, Stark, Carroll and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.

“They were excellent, and we appreciate everything they did. I would definitely recommend.”

Roger S.Son

Pam M.2016-01-06T16:28:13-05:002016-01-06T16:28:13-05:00

“Thank you for making my mother’s last days comfortable.”

Pam M.Daughter

Tammy D.2016-01-06T16:27:36-05:002016-01-06T16:27:36-05:00

“The hospice team was amazing. There were no surprises at the end because I was thoroughly educated by Rhonda and her aide. I knew what to expect and knew what to do.”

Tammy D.Niece

Rebecca W.2016-01-06T16:26:42-05:002016-01-06T16:26:42-05:00

“My family and I sincerely appreciate the empathy with which the hospice team dealt with our loved one and us as a family during his extended illness. Each member of the team was very attentive and responsive to whatever need we presented to them.”

Rebecca W.Wife

Carol R.2016-01-06T16:26:02-05:002016-01-06T16:26:02-05:00

“I will be forever grateful for the Director’s advice to call my sons home. We had been told that he had 3-6 months but when she came to speak with us, she could tell it would be sooner. They quickly got a hospital bed and pain meds for him that night. By the next day, my sons arrived and he died the following day with his family surrounding him. Thank you!”

Carol R.Wife

Nancy F.2016-01-06T16:25:18-05:002016-01-06T16:25:18-05:00

“Everyone was wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about the care received. They were always there for us. It was a blessing to have the team during this most difficult of times.”